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Nagpur: Putting the State Government on notice, the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the authorities to take a policy decision regarding banning entry of trucks and other heavy vehicles into city. Else, keeping in mind the public interest, the court will pass a proper order on its own to resolve the problem, said the court in firm words. “The heavy vehicles indiscriminately enter the city even during prohibited period. This violation is leading to increased accidents,” observed the High Court.
The heavy vehicles enter the city during prohibited period even though the outer ring road exists. The roads have turned a nightmare for the users. The heavy vehicles also cause traffic jams and other menacing problems. As a result, the number of fatal accidents has increased. The heavy vehicles should not enter city when there is outer ring road. The entry of such vehicles should be banned, demanded a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by Amol Khante. The High Court admitted the PIL and the hearing was held today before the Division Bench of Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justice Pradeep Deshmukh. Earlier also, the High Court had directed the State Government to prepare an Action Plan to deal with the problem. The Government had then told the Court that a remedial measure on permanent basis will be initiated but till to date no firm decision has been taken in this regard. The no action on the part of State Government prompted the High Court to issue directives to the concerned authorities to immediately arrive at a concrete decision aimed at resolving the problem of entry of heavy vehicles in the city.
The Government pleader told the court that the Additional Home Secretary is holding a meeting with concerned authorities on January 28 regarding the imbroglio of heavy vehicles. There is possibility of concrete decision in this regard. Therefore the further hearing be put to next date. Subsequently, the High Court deferred the hearing by two weeks.
